Paragon PR - PR Agency of the Year in Canada and the U.S.A.

Company: Paragon PR, Hoboken, NJ, USACompany Description: Paragon is a specialist financial communications agency with decades of industry experience. We build reputations that drive business results, ensuring you are heard, understood and respected. Formed in 2012, we provide trusted PR, marketing and strategic communications programs, including digital and editorial services.Nomination Category: Corporate Communications, Investor Relations, & Public Relations CategoriesNomination Sub Category: Public Relations Agency of the Year in Canada and the U.S.A.

Tell the story about what this nominated agency achieved since 1 January 2017 (up to 650 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms.

Paragon was initially a one-man operation in mid-2012 when CEO, Simon Hylson-Smith, designated “reputation matters” as its core ideology. He was – and still is – determined to employ his decades of financial journalism, marketing and communications experience to build a more effective PR model for an industry that is usually poorly understood by PR professionals.

Paragon has grown significantly and expanded over the past six years. It is safe to say that 2017 was a year of unprecedented growth. From an internal, external and industry-wide perspective, Paragon’s achievements throughout 2017 have positioned the agency as an emerging leader within the B2B public relations space.

Unlike most public relations agencies that offer a service model that encompasses primarily media relations initiatives, Paragon provides a unique four-pronged service approach. Paragon’s business model includes media and analyst relations, marketing, editorial and digital services. Using this integrated communications strategy, Paragon capitalizes on its clients’ strengths to position them as industry leaders through frequent and high-quality media placement, industry-wide thought leadership pieces, innovative traditional and digital marketing initiatives and prestigious industry awards recognition.

Paragon’s internal developments in 2017 reflect the impressive strides made by the company to expand on its capabilities. In the past year, Paragon opened a new office in London and introduced three talented full-time hires and three part-time, well-known industry experts. Paragon’s Executive Vice President, Patrick Sutton, was also named one of PR News’ Rising PR Stars (30 and Under). These achievements have allowed Paragon to increase its client intake and core offerings on a global scale. The broadened service offerings, now available in the US and UK, include enhanced content marketing, media training, social media training, best practices and execution, SEO and digital consulting, digital media and in-depth research reports. The inclusion of these services undoubtedly sets Paragon apart as the go-to full-service marketing and public relations firm for the financial services, trading and technology industries.

Revitalizing the Paragon brand has always been a top priority, especially as technology and marketing trends continue to evolve. Paragon ensures that internal and external marketing strategies are always up-to-date and refreshed. To keep up with the modem digital era, Paragon self-produced a fully animated marketing video detailing the Paragon Client Journey process.

Paragon’s most impressive client work in 2017 encompasses a range of markets, projects and outcomes unmatched by any competitor in its space. Media relations initiatives have given clients coverage on topics ranging from fintech and cloud technology to cryptocurrency and blockchain to cybersecurity and education technology; receiving placements in relevant, top-tier outlets such as Bloomberg, Financial Times, Barron’s and Reuters. Meanwhile, the marketing department successfully executed strategic campaigns which included creating brand identities, messaging and positioning playbooks, social media strategies, sales collateral, custom events, websites and videos.

Financial improvements throughout the year have further proven Paragon’s eminence as an industry leader relied upon by some of the largest players in finance. In 2017, Paragon experienced growth in revenue and an increase of clients to its retained list of clients. These statistics come hand-in-hand with an extraordinary standard of client satisfaction found across the board.

A key highlight of the events that occurred in 2017 involved a new client, Transcend Street Solutions (“Transcend”). Transcend was eager to reposition their brand to keep up with current trends and raise awareness in the industry. In the past year, Paragon successfully coordinated and executed Transcend’s complete rebrand (new logo design, enhanced messaging, renovated website and sales collateral development). Through Paragon’s expert marketing guidance, Transcend has developed a strong digital presence, secured notable media features, and has participated in many niche industry events.

By expanding internal capabilities and global footprint, Paragon exceeded its growth expectations for 2017. Its accomplishments are both numerous and critical to the continued growth and success of this young, influential agency.

In bullet-list form, briefly summarize up to ten (10) of the chief accomplishments of this nominated agency since the beginning of 2017 (up to 150 words).

Paragon worked with Bloq’s co-founders to identify key trends in blockchain technology and capitalize on their reputations and expertise. In 2017, Bloq was featured in The Economist, Fortune, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal and Fox Business.

Sage Advisory, a client since 2013, had 65+ media hits in financial/investment outlets (incl. 3 videos). In addition, Sage was named the ‘ETF Strategist Who Provides the Best Global Insight’ in the 13th Annual Global ETF Awards.

CurveGlobal was entering a crowded market in the derivatives space. By leveraging existing relationships at LSEG and 30+ yrs experience in OTC derivatives, Paragon helped successfully launch and solidify authority in the industry.